Breeding Coturnix Quail: A Straightforward Guide
Coturnix quail, also known as Japanese quail, are one of the easiest game birds to breed. They’re fast growers, prolific layers, and low-maintenance compared to chickens or ducks. If you’re thinking about starting your own quail breeding setup, here’s what you need to know.
Getting Started
First, get healthy stock. Look for birds around 6-8 weeks old from a reputable breeder. Choose birds that are alert, active, and have smooth feathers. Healthy parents make healthy chicks.
Housing
You don’t need a massive setup. A wire cage or pen with 1 square foot per bird is fine. Good ventilation is critical. Keep it clean to avoid disease. Coturnix quail don’t roost; they stay on the ground, so no need for perches.
Breeding Ratio
For a strong hatch rate, aim for one male to every four or five females. Too many males will stress the hens and lower fertility.
Feeding for Fertility
Feed a high-protein diet — around 24-28% protein. You can buy game bird feed or mix your own. Add calcium supplements if hens show signs of weakness. Always keep clean water available.
Egg Collection and Incubation
Quail eggs are small and delicate. Collect them twice daily to keep them clean and safe. Store them pointy-end down at room temperature if you’re not incubating immediately, but don’t wait more than 7 days. Fertility drops after that.
Set eggs in an incubator at 99.5°F with 45-55% humidity. After 14 days, increase humidity to about 65-70% for hatching. Coturnix quail hatch fast — usually on day 17 or 18.
After Hatching
Chicks need immediate warmth — about 95°F under a brooder lamp. Drop the temperature 5°F each week until they’re fully feathered. Use non-slip mats for traction to avoid splayed legs.
Feed chicks a 28% protein starter crumble. They’re tiny, so make sure waterers are chick-safe to prevent drowning.
Troubleshooting
- Poor hatch rate? Check incubator temperature and humidity.
- Chicks dying early? Look at brooder conditions — temperature and cleanliness matter.
- Aggressive males? Separate the troublemakers or cull them.
Final Tips
Coturnix quail mature fast. In just 6-8 weeks, they’re laying and ready to breed themselves. Keep rotating new birds into your breeding program to avoid inbreeding.
If you keep it clean, feed them right, and monitor conditions closely, you’ll have a reliable, productive flock. Simple as that.